That's Fit

Unhealthy habits, we all have 'em. Eating too much, exercising too little, spending too much, saving too little, the list goes on. When it comes to your health and meeting goals for weight loss and fitness, some of the biggest obstacles standing in your way could be some the things you do everyday without even thinking: your unhealthy habits.

Habits aren't easily broken, but many of the methods for getting rid of them are the same across the board, regardless of what your specific vices are. Here are the most proven and effective methods for breaking unwanted habits:

Break out of the mold
Whatever your bad habits are there's a good chance you developed them with the help of society, but just because "everybody else is doing it" or it's socially acceptable doesn't mean it's healthy. Break out of the mold and change up your lifestyle and routines to break old habits.

Admit you have a bad habit
Go ahead, make 12 step jokes, but the first step really is to admit you have a problem. Bad habits are problems, and if you want to change them you have to admit they're there.

Be modest
Don't set your goals too high. If the habit you want to break is over-snacking in the evening you don't have to necessarily quit it cold turkey -- start by giving yourself a goal to skip it a few nights a week at first, or to switch to a healthier snack option than your usual bag of cheese puffs.

Consider the timing
Timing is everything and it's no different when it comes to breaking bad habits. For some people incorporating a habit change into other major life changes (new job, new house, retirement, etc) makes the transition easier, and for others the best time is when everything else is routine and stable. Think about what works for you and time your habit change efforts accordingly.

Consider tackling more than one habit at time
Depending on what your bad habits are taking on more than one at a time might be the most effective approach. For example, if you snack too much in the evenings while watching too much T.V. you could potentially take them out together.

Be specific
Don't just say that you want to "stop watching so much TV." Look at your daily TV habits and decide exactly what shows or times of the day you're going to cut out.

Stop rationalizing
Stop making excuses and rationalizing why your habit isn't all that bad (i.e. you keep smoking because it helps you maintain a healthy weight) or you'll never get anywhere. Defiance and denial are their own bad habits.

Recruit assistance
Involve your friends, family, and even coworkers in your efforts by telling them what your goals are -- they can help by holding you accountable, praising/cheering your progress, and maybe even motivating you by joining in.

Check in on yourself
Check on your progress regularly -- if you're doing well then praise yourself, and if you're not maybe you need to set a different more modest goal instead.